Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy suffered a setback in the second period of his team’s most recent regular-season game. On Sunday, Jan. 4, McCarthy and the rest of coach Kevin O’Connell‘s Vikings roster faced coach Matt LaFleur’s Green Bay Packers on the former’s home pitch, the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Unfortunately for the Minnesota-based franchise and the rest of the Vikings faithful, McCarthy is reported to be questionable to return to the all-important matchup due to a sudden right-hand injury, as reported by football analyst Adam Schefter on his X/Twitter account. McCarthy is currently in his second stint in the league after he was drafted by the Vikings with the 10th overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Vikings say J.J. McCarthy is questionable to return today due to his right hand injury.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 4, 2026
Fortunately for McCarthy and the rest of his team’s fans, the Vikings were still able to dominate the Packers in their home stadium by beating them 16-3. Minnesota’s defense held Green Bay practically scoreless for the entire matchup, as the Packers’ three points came in the latter half of the fourth quarter.
The Vikings finish this year’s campaign with an overall record of 9-8 and are the third seed in the NFC North.
Read More: “McCarthy the worst QB in the NFL”: Vikings Fans Erupt as J.J. McCarthy Delivers Another Poor Performance vs. Packers
Did J.J. McCarthy Get Hurt Today? What Does This Mean for The Vikings?
J.J. McCarthy’s hand injury forced him out of the Minnesota Vikings’ final regular-season game of the 2025 NFL campaign from a non-contact sequence. In fact, he himself left the matchup at the 10:23 mark of the third frame right after he tried to perform a dump pass to wide receiver Justin Jefferson. McCarthy immediately received medical attention on the sidelines as he wasn’t able to walk on his own.
With McCarthy being deemed questionable to return shortly after bringing himself to the sidelines, the young talent was replaced by his backup quarterback, 24-year-old Max Brosmer, who went on to tally 57 yards total and a rating of 96.4. McCarthy will now have the chance to focus on his recovery as the Vikings are officially eliminated from qualifying for the playoffs despite their victory.
Also Read: Is J.J. McCarthy Playing This Week? Everything You Need to Know About Vikings QB Ahead of NFL Christmas Day
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